Page 58 of Pen Me

He did as asked, and I manipulated the skin as best I could and superglued the wound closed.

“It isn’t the surgical strength stuff they put on my belly, but it’ll do. I hope.”

“It’ll be fine. I appreciate it, really.” He smiled, then his gaze dropped to my belly.

“When did you have it done?”

I waved my hand. “I went for my follow up a few days ago. They’re pretty confident they took more than necessary, but I only have two tiny, glued areas and a spot on my belly button.”

He reached for my hand and tugged me down to his lap.

“Is it close to healed? Do you have to go back?”

I bobbled my head, “They don’t need to see me again, not for– a while. I’d have to look at the card in my purse.”

“Alright. If it acts up, you tell me…” he insisted.

I smiled, “My parents haven’t even asked how it went. I don’t think they knew I did it, or that they’ll be relying on my brothers for grandchildren.”

I sucked in a breath, without meaning to and he curled me into a tight hug. “You’re fine. Everything will be fine. There is more to life than kids. Some people have kids that grow up and don’t even speak to them anymore. They get on just fine. You will, too.”

I clung to him, resting my head on his shoulder.

“I wish I’d met you before our lives got fucked.”

He laughed, “My life was fucked long before you was ever a thought, girl. Believe that.”

“Oh, my God,” I scoffed, shaking my head against my resting place, “You’re only like six or seven years older than me, stop it.”

He kissed the top of my head and groaned.

“What?” I lifted up.

He shook his head, staring into my eyes for a long while before he gave a low moan, his fingers sliding into my hair and tightening as he drew in close.

“God, I want to–” He moaned and clicked his teeth in front of my mouth.

The tingle at my scalp and his raw energy had me mesmerized. No one had ever handled me like that or spoke to me that way.

“I don’t know what time school gets out.” He exhaled, “And Rumi will want to see me. I need to tarp your car too. Before someone sees the plate or model.

“I– don’t think you should be outside,” I quietly stressed.

Menace smiled. “I knew you cared.”

I rolled my eyes, and he snaked forward, his mouth claiming mine. I kissed him back for the first time without hesitation or restraint, letting him deepen it until he was feasting on my lower lip and gripping my hair again.

“Fuck,” he whispered. “Stay here and try not to break any more of my ribs when I climb into bed with you this time.”

“No promises,” I chirped.

He shifted me away and slapped my ass, causing me to leap and hiss.

“Menace.”

“Mhm?” he murmured, the devil in his eyes as he strolled out that storm cellar door.

“Get that bed warm, woman,” he called from outside.

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